Textiles of the Islamic World

This book surveys the wide array of textiles made, worn, used, anddisplayed throughout the Islamic world, from the glorious fabrics ofthe past to those produced today. Hundreds of illustrations featureexamples from around the globe, including embroidered Persian prayercloths, Anatolian ikat coats, Ottoman beaded purses, Caucasian stripedsilk bags, Berber women’s shawls, Arab tent decorations, Yemeni indigorobes, Indonesian batik sarongs, and West African strip-woven cloths.

Region by region, the book provides details of local history, particulartextile traditions, materials, dyes, special forms of decoration,and information on current practice. The variety is stunning, fromcloths of cotton, hemp, linen, and wool to sumptuous velvets andsilks; from techniques of quilting, felting, beading, and knitting toblock-printing, tie-dyeing, and hand-weaving on a range of looms.

Specially taken color photographs, portraits of weavers in action,and rare archival material complete a remarkable visual panorama.Together with a glossary and a guide to textile collections around theworld, this comprehensive survey provides a wealth of informationand will be invaluable to anyone interested in the rich art of textiles,costume, or craft.